Tonno Alla Palermitana

Ingredients

Tuna steaks

4 (about 6 oz each)

Breadcrumbs

1 cup

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Olive oil

1/4 cup (for frying)

Lemon

1, juiced

Tomatoes

2 large, diced

Red onion

1 small, thinly sliced

Fresh basil

1/4 cup, chopped

Extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons (for salad dressing)

Instructions

1. Begin by patting the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dredge each tuna steak in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded tuna steaks to the pan.
4. Cook the tuna for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy, taking care not to overcook them as they should remain tender and juicy in the center.
5. While the tuna is cooking, prepare the salad by combining the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped basil in a bowl. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
6. Once the tuna steaks are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a minute. Serve the tuna steaks alongside the fresh salad, with a generous squeeze of lemon juice over the top for brightness.
7. For added flavor, consider marinating the tuna steaks in olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for 30 minutes before breading and frying.